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ashliesydel's reviews
1474 reviews
The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Did I stop midway through this book and reread 4 chapters so that I could experience the trauma of having my heart ripped out all over again? Yes, yes, I did.
Did I scream out loud, slam my phone down, and pace while trying to fight off an anxiety attack triggered by the extreme sadness and pain that was within these pages??? Yes, yes, I did.
When I started this series, it was on a whim. I had a TBR, my next reads were supposed to be romance. But NO, after reading THREE of SGJ's books last month, all it took was someone posting in one of my reader groups that she DNF'd the first book in this series for me to feel compelled to accept the non-existent challenge to read this trilogy so that I could come back and say chick was tripping and SGJ is still the man.
If you follow my book posts then I've already made an argument as to why I believe SGJ is the fucking KING of storytelling. The world he built, the character growth, the urban legends brought to life, the real-life social issues that woman, persons of color, and blue collar individuals deal with was nothing short of perfection.
Don't even get me started on his dark humor and ability to weave in horror movie education including the extensive breakdown of subgenres....
Long story short, SGJ is a YES for me. This series is a YES for me. Jade and Letha will forever hold space in my head and heart.
Don't Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Your girl jumped into book 2 with no expectations. And so far I have been absolutely blown away by the growth. From the writing style, to the maturity of our final girls, to the creative kills and body count. SGJ Has elevated this series tremendously.
Leatha It's like no other final girl I've ever seen. She exudes fragility and softness. The way that she carries herself, the way that she cares for others, if you were to see her on the big screen, you would instantly assume that she would be a walking target. However, she has such a fierce protective nature that allows her to face any and all threats fiercely and selflessly.
Our girl Jade, is fresh out of prison. I really liked how SGJ provided the readers with closure, and insight on our girl's arrest, trial, and growth. Her reunion with Lisa literally had me in tears.
This new book presents multiple killers, multiple plot twists, movie references, action, humor, adventure, and of course an insane kill count. I think that I like this book so much more than the first.
My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
As previously mentioned, this book has been on my TBR for years. I decided to start it after a reader discussion where another reader said they had to DNF due to the writing style.
THIS was 100% understandable because SGJ has a tendency to draw things out as well as provide mini side stories or rants. In the end everything he gives you has a purpose but it's easy to get annoyed or distracted. Because of this, I exclusively listen to his books. It's much easier to digest and enjoy.
This story is told from the POV of Jade Daniels the goth, horror fanatic of a small town. She is clearly not well mentally, disassociates, and goes on random rants about slasher/horror movies. Throughout the book the readers are presented with her various school papers where she tried to connect real life to horror movies, giving theories and background on the genre and how things work.
After a failed suicide attempt Jade begins to spiral as it seems a real-life slasher has come to town and is leaving a body trail. Excited at the prospect of living a real-life horror film, Jade's behavior becomes concerning. She inserts herself into the various investigations, stalks her classmates, and runs from the law, all in the name of ushering this slasher showdown into fruition.
She even designates a final girl and attempts to educate/prepare her for the inevitable show down.
As the bodies stake up and Jade's behavior becomes even more unhinged, she's forced to confront the source of her trauma/mental break.
In the author's notes, SGJ stated his inspiration for Jade was found after reading a news article about an Indigenous girl who committed suicide. He used this story, this trilogy, to not only honor the lost life but to give her the strength to live and fight back.
I liked this story so much more than I thought I would. It's a bit much though. Not gonna lie, even in audio I felt like I may have lost a detail or two. But between the red herrings, body count, urban legends, horror movie education, and family drama I can tell you that you will not be bored.... Not after chapter 5 anyway.
You may wonder how you missed some chick getting her face ripped off during the chaos, but it won't be a deal breaker.
THIS was 100% understandable because SGJ has a tendency to draw things out as well as provide mini side stories or rants. In the end everything he gives you has a purpose but it's easy to get annoyed or distracted. Because of this, I exclusively listen to his books. It's much easier to digest and enjoy.
This story is told from the POV of Jade Daniels the goth, horror fanatic of a small town. She is clearly not well mentally, disassociates, and goes on random rants about slasher/horror movies. Throughout the book the readers are presented with her various school papers where she tried to connect real life to horror movies, giving theories and background on the genre and how things work.
After a failed suicide attempt Jade begins to spiral as it seems a real-life slasher has come to town and is leaving a body trail. Excited at the prospect of living a real-life horror film, Jade's behavior becomes concerning. She inserts herself into the various investigations, stalks her classmates, and runs from the law, all in the name of ushering this slasher showdown into fruition.
She even designates a final girl and attempts to educate/prepare her for the inevitable show down.
As the bodies stake up and Jade's behavior becomes even more unhinged, she's forced to confront the source of her trauma/mental break.
In the author's notes, SGJ stated his inspiration for Jade was found after reading a news article about an Indigenous girl who committed suicide. He used this story, this trilogy, to not only honor the lost life but to give her the strength to live and fight back.
I liked this story so much more than I thought I would. It's a bit much though. Not gonna lie, even in audio I felt like I may have lost a detail or two. But between the red herrings, body count, urban legends, horror movie education, and family drama I can tell you that you will not be bored.... Not after chapter 5 anyway.
You may wonder how you missed some chick getting her face ripped off during the chaos, but it won't be a deal breaker.
Altered by Rene Wolfe
4.0
Rene always brings the unexpected in her stories. Looking at this cover, you would not know that this is a Halloween themed paranormal romance laced with suspense and action.
Things kick off with our girl Genesis and her crew out celebrating her upcoming nuptials. Everything is love, the vibe is great, I was excited for the happy couple.
But then her man goes MIA leaving her at the alter all sad and mad.
Her man finally pops up "altered" as a new member of the blood sucking community. That entire story of how that happened, was both interesting and sus.
We get spice, a good vamp vs witch show down, and an unexpected ending.
Rene said she plans on putting together a full-length paranormal novel featuring the key players she's been slowing introducing which I'm really excited about because so far I've loved everything she's brought to the table.
I highly recommend this stand alone, spicy, and fun quick read
Things kick off with our girl Genesis and her crew out celebrating her upcoming nuptials. Everything is love, the vibe is great, I was excited for the happy couple.
But then her man goes MIA leaving her at the alter all sad and mad.
Her man finally pops up "altered" as a new member of the blood sucking community. That entire story of how that happened, was both interesting and sus.
We get spice, a good vamp vs witch show down, and an unexpected ending.
Rene said she plans on putting together a full-length paranormal novel featuring the key players she's been slowing introducing which I'm really excited about because so far I've loved everything she's brought to the table.
I highly recommend this stand alone, spicy, and fun quick read
Keep Giving Me Love by BriAnn Danae
4.0
I was honestly scared to read this. Synovi overcame so much in the first book and I am just so proud of him.
If you are unfamiliar, I highly suggest you read book one. Keep you to myself as this is a short follow-up. In that book we meet snovi who was a ward of the State as a child, who then as an adult is living in a group home.
He is utilizing the resources that are out there to try and establish himself while avoiding becoming a product of the streets.
That book ends with him becoming an entrepreneur, and embracing the love and support that is offered by others. It was an incredibly beautiful story.
The pessimist in me was scared got to follow up. Would show him going through hardships. And I didn't want to see that for him. Thankfully, while yes, adversity is still there. This book focused on Synovi let still adjusting to his present, and healing from his past.
We also received updates on his support system including the women who changed his his trajectory in life for the better.
There is a major life change for him and I was so proud again, of how he approached it and made everything work.
Although he's fictional, Synovi for me, is a wonderful example of overcoming circumstances, in avoiding the school-to-prison pipeline that so many fall victim to.
A song I would associate with this mane is Angie Stone's Brotha. Check it out if you aren't familiar.
Obviously I can't talk about Synovi without Torrin.
This story takes place one year after their relationship is established and The new chapter in his life has started.
I absolutely love tauren and her family. This story is so incredibly relatable, in the timeline is very realistic. While yes, some young couples jump into marriage and babies. These two are entrepreneurs, focused on healing themselves, each other, finding peace, uplifting one another, and being happy.
I love these two together, I love the support that they give one another, and it's so sweet to see how gentle they are with one another, seeing how they when she pulled a gun on him and book one LOL.
If you are unfamiliar, I highly suggest you read book one. Keep you to myself as this is a short follow-up. In that book we meet snovi who was a ward of the State as a child, who then as an adult is living in a group home.
He is utilizing the resources that are out there to try and establish himself while avoiding becoming a product of the streets.
That book ends with him becoming an entrepreneur, and embracing the love and support that is offered by others. It was an incredibly beautiful story.
The pessimist in me was scared got to follow up. Would show him going through hardships. And I didn't want to see that for him. Thankfully, while yes, adversity is still there. This book focused on Synovi let still adjusting to his present, and healing from his past.
We also received updates on his support system including the women who changed his his trajectory in life for the better.
There is a major life change for him and I was so proud again, of how he approached it and made everything work.
Although he's fictional, Synovi for me, is a wonderful example of overcoming circumstances, in avoiding the school-to-prison pipeline that so many fall victim to.
A song I would associate with this mane is Angie Stone's Brotha. Check it out if you aren't familiar.
Obviously I can't talk about Synovi without Torrin.
This story takes place one year after their relationship is established and The new chapter in his life has started.
I absolutely love tauren and her family. This story is so incredibly relatable, in the timeline is very realistic. While yes, some young couples jump into marriage and babies. These two are entrepreneurs, focused on healing themselves, each other, finding peace, uplifting one another, and being happy.
I love these two together, I love the support that they give one another, and it's so sweet to see how gentle they are with one another, seeing how they when she pulled a gun on him and book one LOL.
57 Reasons for the Slate Quarry Suicides by Sam J. Miller
3.0
Very Dark, Very Uncomfortable. I held my breath. My brain kept coming up with all kinds of scenarios. Very Good Read.